2-minute read ---
The festive season brings with it a flurry of excitement, celebrations, and of course, unique consumer expectations. As the end of the year approaches, restaurants can expect a change in customer behaviors and preferences.
Here's a look at some key customer trends and demands that restaurants should anticipate and prepare for this holiday season:
Here's a look at some key customer trends and demands that restaurants should anticipate and prepare for this holiday season:
1. Health-Conscious Offerings
With an increasing awareness of health and wellness, even during the festive season, customers are on the lookout for healthier meal options. Vegan, gluten-free, and organic dishes are in high demand. Restaurants that provide calorie counts, ingredients lists, and allergen information may find they have an edge over competitors in their area.
With an increasing awareness of health and wellness, even during the festive season, customers are on the lookout for healthier meal options. Vegan, gluten-free, and organic dishes are in high demand. Restaurants that provide calorie counts, ingredients lists, and allergen information may find they have an edge over competitors in their area.
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2. Ethical and Sustainable Choices
More and more consumers are concerned about the environment. This means a greater demand for sustainably-sourced ingredients, minimal plastic usage, and waste reduction. Additionally, restaurants that can highlight their partnerships with local farmers or commitment to fair trade practices will appeal to the ethically-minded diner. In addition, locally sourced ingredients often translate into fresher, more flavorful dishes. By eliminating the need for long-haul transportation, restaurants can ensure that the produce they use is at the peak of its flavor. Additionally, local sourcing enables chefs to work more closely with farmers, leading to creative menu innovations. |
Local sourcing enables chefs to work more closely with farmers, leading to creative menu innovations
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3. Experience Over “Just Dining”
The modern diner is seeking more than just a meal; they're seeking an experience. Think themed dinners, interactive food stations, live entertainment, or chef interactions. Special holiday events or workshops, like cookie decorating or festive cocktail mixology classes, can add an extra layer of competitive allure.
4. Technology Integration
The digital age is here to stay. Customers expect seamless integration of technology – from eGift cards to digital menus and contactless payment options. Aldelo Express and Masa+ support multiple customer-facing technological services: image-based self-service Kiosks, QR code-based digital menus and online ordering, QR code in-store payments, eGift Cards, Digital Loyalty / Rewards, and more.
5. Festive Fusion Cuisine
While traditional holiday dishes will always be in vogue, there's an increasing interest in global flavors. “Fusion” cuisine that marries traditional holiday flavors with international dishes can be a huge hit. Think roasted turkey tacos or cranberry samosas!
The modern diner is seeking more than just a meal; they're seeking an experience. Think themed dinners, interactive food stations, live entertainment, or chef interactions. Special holiday events or workshops, like cookie decorating or festive cocktail mixology classes, can add an extra layer of competitive allure.
4. Technology Integration
The digital age is here to stay. Customers expect seamless integration of technology – from eGift cards to digital menus and contactless payment options. Aldelo Express and Masa+ support multiple customer-facing technological services: image-based self-service Kiosks, QR code-based digital menus and online ordering, QR code in-store payments, eGift Cards, Digital Loyalty / Rewards, and more.
5. Festive Fusion Cuisine
While traditional holiday dishes will always be in vogue, there's an increasing interest in global flavors. “Fusion” cuisine that marries traditional holiday flavors with international dishes can be a huge hit. Think roasted turkey tacos or cranberry samosas!
Aldelo Express and Masa+ support forced and advanced modifiers for orders placed through the Masa+ app
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6. Personalization
Customizable dishes are becoming increasingly popular. Offering diners the chance to 'build their own' or choose specific ingredients appeals to those with dietary restrictions, unique preferences, or those just looking to try something new. Restaurants using Aldelo Express and Masa+ support forced and advanced modifiers for in-store orders and orders placed through the Masa+ app, enabling customers to personalize their orders wherever they are. |
7. Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs
Given the gift-giving nature of the season, there's a surge in demand for restaurant gift cards. Meanwhile, loyalty programs, with special holiday season rewards, can ensure repeat business and give diners a reason to choose your establishment over competitors.
8. At-Home Dining Experience
While dining out is always an option, many customers are looking to bring the restaurant experience home. This includes curated meal kits, luxury takeout, or DIY cocktail sets. The key is ensuring that the at-home experience is as close to the dine-in one as possible, in terms of quality and presentation.
9. Collaborations and Pop-Ups
Collaborative events with local businesses, like breweries, dairies, or artisanal bakeries, can offer a unique experience and draw in a crowd. Pop-up restaurants or limited-time menus create an urgency and novelty that can be quite enticing.
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In conclusion, the holiday season represents an immense opportunity for restaurants to innovate, capture new customers, and enhance loyalty. By staying attuned to these emerging customer trends and demands, restaurants can ensure a bustling and profitable festive season.
Restaurant owners using Aldelo Express POS easily grow their customer network by using Aldelo Express’s native Masa+ Online Ordering and Digital Payments platform. Merchants quickly deploy a unique Online Storefront, QR code-based Digital Menus, eGift Cards, and digital Loyalty/Rewards programs based off of their existing Aldelo Express cloud database, increasing sales by an average of 8.3%. Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410 |
Aldelo Express users easily grow their customer network by using Masa+ Online Ordering and Digital Payments platform
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Restaurants that use ultra-competitive Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services obtain access to a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform that includes Masa+ Online Ordering, Unlimited Software Releases, Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support! *** Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial [email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected] |
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